Can Even the Insured Afford To See the Doctor?

Even if you have health insurance, can you afford to go to the doctor? We started thinking about this question when we saw this familiar story in a story about high-deductible health insurance:

At his saw-sharpening business in Rice, Voigt can relate. His wife’s job once provided health insurance for the family. When she died a decade ago, Voigt faced unaffordable premiums for COBRA, the supposed safety net health insurance for those who lose employer coverage.

“About $395 a month is all I can afford [for premiums],” Voigt said.

Ten years ago, that bought him health coverage with a $5,000 deductible. The policy came, as most do, with a tax-free health savings account that allows policyholders to save money to pay for deductibles in the event of an illness or accident.

“Once I had saved $5,000, I was covered,” Voigt said.

But as premiums climbed for the $5,000 deductible policy, Voigt could no longer afford them and had to settle for a policy with a $10,000 deductible.

Meanwhile, he rarely has the cash for the out-of-pocket expense for routine care. “I’ve barely been to a doctor since my wife died,” he said.

More Minnesotans driven to choose high-deductible health insurance

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Related posts:

1. Open Enrollment: Is Your Employer Pushing You To High-Deductible Health Insurance?
2. Commonwealth Fund: Number of “Underinsured” Adults Has Skyrocketed Since 2003
3. "Value-Based" Health Insurance Coverage: Is It a Good Value for You?
4. Health Insurance: Do You Know the Difference Between Copays and Co-insurance? The Difference Can Screw You.
5. Did a Couple Let Their Son Die Because They Couldn’t Afford a Doctor?